Au Queb tested the new mountain bike trails at Massif du Sud

We’ve been saying it for a long time: the Chaudière-Appalaches region is best discovered on two wheels. And with the official opening of the brand new mountain bike trails at the Massif du Sud, we’ve reached an important milestone. The resort is entering the 4-season world in full force, and we can already confirm that it’s a major addition to the region’s outdoor offering.

So get your bikes ready, we’re taking you on a tour of these great new features today!

A promising first phase

Starting on Saturday, you’ll be able to ride on almost 10 kilometres of brand new trails designed by Vélosolutions Canada, a renowned team in this field. So what can we expect? Solid, durable, well-designed trails that are, above all, incredibly fun to ride.

Nothing has been left to chance in this first phase. We’re talking about professional-calibre trails that will put the Massif du Sud on the map of the province’s mountain biking greats.

A network divided into two sectors

Serge from Vélosolutions guided us on our field trip. The trails are mainly to be found in the lower third of the mountain, with different sectors suited to different levels of ability. It takes around ten minutes to do the climb, which means you can do several descents in one outing.

The East sector

This is the main sector we explored. It lies in the undergrowth of pistes 9, 10 and 11, for those who ski at the Massif du Sud. Here you’ll find a gentle beginner’s ascent, with rest areas to take your time. Then there’s an easy descent back to the base, or you can branch off into the skills park, which we think is what the resort will be best known for. There are three lines (beginner, intermediate and advanced) with some pretty impressive wooden jumps and several gaps. A short climb allows you to do this sector as a loop, if you wish.

West sector

A slightly more expert sector, with some mechanically-worked runs, but also others that are more old-school and designed by hand. The end of the climb takes you to an advanced trail, but if you stop before then, you can branch off into some nice intermediate options. There are plenty of table tops and banked turns in this sector.

It’s high-level stuff, no less… and it’s right here in the Chaudière-Appalaches!

A cosy night's sleep in the new microchalets

To complete our getaway, we had the pleasure of staying in one of the new Solstice micro-cabins, a series of minimalist and charming accommodations nestled not too far from the slopes. These small, fully-equipped chalets are perfect for 2 to 4 people and offer a fine balance between simplicity and comfort. Everything is provided, so all you have to do is bring your own bedding!

Official inauguration this weekend

Mountain bikers will have a unique opportunity (at last!) to discover the trail network at the Virage event, taking place on Saturday October 4th, the only opening day before next season. As well as riding the new sectors, there will be friendly competitions, yoga and an Oktoberfest themed evening. Craftspeople and producers from the Chaudière-Appalaches region will also be on hand (market gardeners, alpaca wool, digital artists, etc.).

A promising development

What we tested is more than just a new network of trails. It’s the start of another chapter for the Massif du Sud, now positioned as a serious 4-season destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

We couldn’t be happier to see a project of this scale come to fruition here in the Chaudière-Appalaches.

See you this weekend to ride it together!

Photos: Élisabeth Anctil-Martin